Rewiring Building Qualifies

Landlord applied for MCI rent hikes based on rewiring all the buildings in an apartment complex. Landlord claimed the work qualified as an MCI because the rewiring job included running concealed air-conditioner lines, installing outlets in all living rooms and bedrooms, and making connections to new circuit boxes. The DRA granted landlord's application, and tenants appealed. Tenants claimed that landlord had gotten increases for electrical work before, and that they'd be paying for electrical outlets they'd never use because there already were enough outlets. The DHCR ruled for landlord. Rewiring a building, including installing sufficient capacity to accommodate air-conditioner circuits, qualifies as MCI work. It doesn't matter whether tenants actually use the additional services, as long as the rewiring accommodates current and future demands for electrical service.

Fisher: DHCR Adm. Rev. Dckt. Nos. BF 130032-RT et al. (8/4/94) [7-page document]